No chattel mortgage or other lien on household furniture then in the possession and use of the borrower given to secure any loan made by a licensee shall be valid unless it is in writing, signed in person by the borrower, and not by an attorney, or if the borrower is married unless it is signed in person by both spouses, and not by an attorney. Written assent of a spouse shall not be required when the spouses have been living separate and apart for a period of at least five months prior to the giving of the mortgage or lien.
Va. Code § 6.2-1527